Arts, Museums & Galleries

Florida's Cultural Coast® is going digital with these virtual versions of entertainment, education and more from some of Sarasota County's world-class arts organizations

Whether visiting for the first time ever, or the first time in a while, this guide features new experiences each visitor will enjoy!

By Compass Rose History Experiences

Nearly four decades before Sarasota became a county, a group of Scottish immigrants landed on our white, sandy shores pursuing the promise of life in a tropical oasis with modern amenities.

But what happens when you move thousands of miles from home, and there’s no home to move into?

By Compass Rose History Experiences

In 1899, Cornelius Van Santvoord (C.V.S.) Wilson, the owner of the Manatee County Advocate, decided to move to the small village of Sarasota to start the area’s first newspaper. The year prior, C.V.S., a widow, had remarried to the young Rose Phillips. 40 years her senior, C.V.S. had a successful career in the newspaper industry and was ready to take on a new challenge.

A long history of visual, performing, literary and, of course, circus arts has shaped a tiny fishing village into a cultural destination

Sarasota possesses an indescribable energy that attracts and inspires artists. This long history of visual, performing, literary, and, of course, circus arts has shaped a tiny fishing village into a cultural gem. At the dedication of his art school in 1931, John Ringling beautifully stated, “Though life is short, art is long.” And, in Sarasota, the legacy of the arts continues to thrive.

Sarasota County is home to many sites with serious archeological significance

People have been coming to Florida for a long time. And we’re not just talking about all the tourists who have been traveling to the Sunshine State since the early 20th century, or even the Spanish who first came to Florida in the 1500s.

Learn how the Greatest Show on Earth helped shape a sleepy fishing village into a cultural destination on Florida's Gulf Coast®

Enjoying beauty and art requires brainpower and good food. Fortunately, Sarasota’s museums and attractions have got you covered. 

From fancier dishes to casual bites and alfresco eats, Sarasota’s food scene has a table for every mood and occasion. If you’re looking for a side of art and culture with your meal, look no further than these eateries that share space with some of Sarasota’s most notable galleries, gardens and more.

Travis Ray of Dapper Bowtique and Asa Thomas of Art Ovation Hotel discuss their collaboration and what it means for the community